Mummy and Impostor met Binku and Chanda – two much-loved Pugs at Chhaya’s family home. But just like in Ko Samui, Mummy saw lots of stray dogs on the streets. This time the driver was driving faster than Little Tyke’s father. She managed only pictures of a very small fraction of all the dogs she saw on the roadside.
But Chhaya told Mummy about Friendicoes SECA – a dog shelter in Delhi. She couldn’t visit the shelter due to her own time restrictions but she did go and see the place where it all began. As she walked into the space, she could immediately see some dogs wandering around –
While others were in cages …
This dog was inside the office
This is a heavily pregnant dog
Others were lying around on the cooler floors than being outside on the streets
There were a couple of pet shops that sells food and accessories. The dogs hanging around them either belonged to the owners or waiting for some food.
May’s comment: In a way, the strays as well as the pets who walk the streets freely demonstrates that dogs have been domesticated and they co-exist with humans. But they rely on humans to provide for them especially when they live in an urban environment. So it’s sad that humans too often abandon and mistreat dogs.
When Chhaya saw me taking photos of strays whilst driving through Delhi, she was reminded to tell me about Friendicoes and arranged for me to visit them. www.friendicoes.org
But we couldn’t visit the shelter as visiting hours were from 5pm and I was leaving Delhi that evening after a brief visit. But I did go to the office where it all began. There were strays and other dogs who wandered freely around the space while others were in cages for various reasons. At least these dogs are safe from violence on the streets.
Here is some background on the charity that covers the area of strays from Delhi to Agra.
Friendicoes SECA began with a tiny room in the heart of Delhi in an undeveloped shopping complex. It has been a registered charity since April 1979. Within the first week of the clinic cum shelter Friendicoes had 27 dogs and 12 cats in residence.
“Today, the city shelter has grown to triple its initial size. We have a country sanctuary to house those animals who need lifetime care and run Four Spay / Neuter clinics to control stray dog population in Delhi and its suburbs and in Gurgaon, the neighbouring state. In addition we look after and find homes for abandoned and rescued animals. We have ambulances on call for emergencies, a hospital for strays in Delhi, a well-equipped clinic cum path lab for pets and also run a mobile equine clinic for working horses and donkeys! Since its humble beginnings, Friendicoes has grown exponentially and with the help of our supporters, dedicated staff and committed volunteers continues to provide a safe haven for the city’s sick, abandoned, orphaned and rejected animals. It is managed by a group of dedicated people headed by Geeta Seshamani.”
There are lots of stories on their blog but be warned – they will make you weep with sadness as well as relief that humanity exists. Chhaya’s cousins are all dog lovers and they often go on weekends to walk the dogs at the shelter. Just thankful that some people do care.
